Spotlight on St. John’s University:
Celebrating 50 Years of Excellence and Global Impact

As St. John’s University’s Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD) proudly celebrates its 50th anniversary, we are excited to share new and expanding opportunities that underscore our M.A. in Speech-Language Pathology program’s ongoing commitment to excellence, innovation, and global engagement.

Early and Diverse Clinical Experiences
From their first month on campus, students begin working directly with clients. Supervised by committed and skillful clinical educators, training starts at the newly renovated St. John’s Speech and Hearing Center and extends to supervised outreach in local schools, day cares, and skilled nursing facilities. Year 1 students also participate in one of our two aphasia support groups. By Year 2, practicum placements are carefully matched from our large network of affiliates spanning all five boroughs, Nassau, and Suffolk counties.

Students also have the opportunity to pursue additional professional credentials before graduation, such as Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT) and Modified Barium Swallow Impairment Profile (MBSImP), enhancing their competitiveness in the job market. With nearly 400 active members in our CSD alumni group, students benefit from a strong professional network eager to support and employ our graduates.

Diversity, Global Learning, Local Impact
We now offer two distinct international service-learning experiences that reflect the breadth and depth of our program’s clinical training and cultural responsiveness:

• Guatemala: As the university’s longest-running service-learning program, this immersive experience focuses on feeding and swallowing interventions for medically complex children and adults. Students provide direct services at an orphanage and a hospital, learning to navigate complex care needs in resource-limited settings.
• Rome: Our newest global initiative centers on second language learning in young, school-age children. Based out of our St. John’s Rome Campus, students explore multilingualism, language development, and culturally responsive assessment and intervention in a vibrant international context.

These programs offer students a unique and meaningful opportunity to deepen their clinical skills while making a real difference in communities abroad.

The St. John’s CSD department also has an active Task Force on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility, with members including students, faculty, and staff. Two of our graduate student Task Force members played inspiring and integral roles in shaping the Academic Center for Equity and Inclusion (ACEI) Teaching Fellowships awarded to our department in 2024 and 2025.

Rigorous Academics and Research Leadership
Our 54-credit lock step curriculum includes all courses required for the TSSLD and offers optional credentials including the Bilingual Extension (9 credits). In the final semester, students choose two targeted electives, preparing them more specifically for careers in early intervention, geriatrics, or school-based practice. We also offer built-in Praxis test preparation and maintain a high pass rate, reflecting the program’s strong academic foundation.

Our academic program includes PhD-level faculty who are nationally recognized researchers and scholars. Two of our faculty members are affiliated with ASHA’s Multicultural Affairs Committee.  Three of our faculty members hold NIH grants totaling over $2 million and many of our students are actively involved in their ERP and Child Language Labs. These student researchers have earned multiple awards for their mentored work in bilingualism, speech processing, and language development.

Students also gain hands-on experience with cutting-edge technology in our new state-of-the-art instrumentation lab, using procedures such as FEES and videostroboscopy to develop essential diagnostic skills.

A Supportive Community
At the core of St. John’s CSD program is a tight-knit, student-centered community. Each student is paired with faculty advisors and peer partners to ensure a supportive and successful graduate experience. With a focus on work-life balance, the department fosters a healthy and welcoming environment—including a dedicated student room and relaxation corner on campus—and organizes frequent social events to build camaraderie and connection. This year, we held our First Annual Faculty-Student Kickball Game!

As we honor five decades of preparing compassionate, skilled clinicians, we remain focused on the future—continuing to grow, innovate, and elevate the field of speech-language pathology both at home and abroad.